Differences in computer ascent recommendations between buddies?

[Kamaros]

The OP references a computer dictated stop at 50'. That may not be decompression, but it sure sounds like it could be.

I believe the OP was referring to Pyle stops. Some recreational computers use them, or have them as an option - for example, the Geo 2.0 I use as a backup computer has a deep stop option that basically adds an extra safety stop at half of my maximum depth for dives deeper than 80 ft. That said, they're quite controversial, and are no longer recommended by some manufacturers.

 

[dmaziuk]

A stop of one minute is essentially there to slow down your ascent rate. With all the bad publicity around deep stops, some vendors now call them "profile-dependent intermediate stops" instead. A slightly smarter implementation wouldn't trigger one if your ascent rate is already slow enough, but I don't believe any of them would penalize you for ignoring that stop if it's triggered. (Exceeding safe ascent rate is a different issue though.)

 

[Steve_C]

Forgetting all this about deep stops, there is still a valid question in terms of NDL. It is not hard to see a difference of 10-15 minutes of NDL on dive two between two computers. Heck, I used to dive two different computers and I would see that frequently on dive 2. This is something that needs to be discussed with your buddy. They may not want to dive a more conservative computer. In some situations I have seen groups split up and reform and some go up and some stay down for a bit longer. Point is that these scenarios should be discussed ahead of time. A buddy trained in solo and diving a solo configuration (my normal situation) may want to make a different arrangement then somebody on their first ocean dive.

 

[Jcp2]

I guess Pyle stop is the better name for it. I had it turned on for my computer. My instructor and dive partner said she always made a 1 minute stop at 50 feet whenever she went deeper than 70 ft, so that’s what I did with her at the time. My computer actually triggered the deep stop at 45 ft after max depth of 100 ft. Should I just turn the feature off?

 

[scubadada]

The OP references a computer dictated stop at 50'. That may not be decompression, but it sure sounds like it could be.

Elective "deep stop"

 

[tursiops]

I guess Pyle stop is the better name for it. I had it turned on for my computer. My instructor and dive partner said she always made a 1 minute stop at 50 feet whenever she went deeper than 70 ft, so that’s what I did with her at the time. My computer actually triggered the deep stop at 45 ft after max depth of 100 ft. Should I just turn the feature off?

Arguably, Yes. It serves no good purpose for recreational, NDL dives. MUCH more important is a good 3-5 safety stop, and a very slow ascent from there to the surface.

 

[Seaweed Doc]

Keep in mind that another reason for differences might be slightly different profiles. Your buddy goes a little deeper and drifts into deco and you don't.

That said, if this is all NDL diving, then there is only one "standard" recommendation and that's 3 minutes at 15', with most computers calling it "good" if you are between 10 and 20'. I haven't tried every computer out there, but the two I dive regularly and the ones I've used renting gear on vacations all have a 3 minute safety stop built in.

Now I'm curious: Are there computers out there that recommend a different shallow safety stop? (I'm ignoring the deep stop question folks ask earler; on my computers it's an option that can be turned off.)

 

[scubadada]

Keep in mind that another reason for differences might be slightly different profiles. Your buddy goes a little deeper and drifts into deco and you don't.

That said, if this is all NDL diving, then there is only one "standard" recommendation and that's 3 minutes at 15', with most computers calling it "good" if you are between 10 and 20'. I haven't tried every computer out there, but the two I dive regularly and the ones I've used renting gear on vacations all have a 3 minute safety stop built in.

Now I'm curious: Are there computers out there that recommend a different shallow safety stop? (I'm ignoring the deep stop question folks ask earler; on my computers it's an option that can be turned off.)

Shearwater has an adaptive SS, generally 3 min at 15 ft, 5 min if below 100 ft or within 5 min of deco.

 

[Storker]

What is the best protocol to use during the ascent when the two computers,

Follow the most conservative computer.

Same as with tables. And personal limits. Respect the most conservative one. Case closed.

 

[Jcp2]

My computer indicates safety stop at 10 ft for 3 min, although the countdown begins at 20 ft, according to the manual.